Category: News

Sunday, 29 December 2002 12:00 AM

In the last match of 2002, South Melbourne maintained it’s season 2002/2003 undefeated home record, as the Blue and Whites drew to a resilient Newcastle United at Bob Jane Stadium today.

Newcastle struck early in the 6th minute with a goal through Joel Griffiths, but the home side clawed their way back into the match through an own goal. The Albert Park Club could have sealed the match in the dying moments but Vaughan Coveny’s header narrowly missed the target.

FINAL SCORE (National Soccer League – Round 15)
SOUTH MELBOURNE 1 (Own Goal – Dodd 72’)
Newcastle 1 (Griffiths 6′)
Crowd: 4,236
Venue: Bob Jane Stadium

Friday, 27 December 2002 12:00 AM

Date: Sunday 29 December 2002
Venue: Bob Jane Stadium
Kickoff: 6.00pm AEST

Live Broadcast: (Melbourne Only):
3XX 1611AM 6.00pm (English)
3XY 1422AM 6.00pm (Greek)
Echo FM 87.8FM 6.00pm (Greek)

HEAD TO HEAD (Overall):
Played: 5 South wins 1, Newcastle wins 2, Draws 2

HEAD TO HEAD (at South Melbourne):
Played: 2 (Regular Season) South wins 1, Newcastle wins 1, Draws 0

LAST WEEK:
South Melbourne BYE
Newcastle 4-1 hone win Vs Sydney United

Position on Ladder: 4th Vs 3rd

SOUTH MELBOURNE SQUAD:
E Galekovic (gk), F De Amicis, M Durakovic, R Liparoti, P Kisnorbo,
D Clarkson, S Panopoulos, V Coveny, P Trimboli, P Buljan, B Damianos, V Lia, M Baird,
D Anastasiadis (gk)

IN: BYE last week
OUT: Z Susa (suspended – 1 match)

NEWCASTLE UNITED SQUAD:
D Beltrame (gk), C Zoricich, S Baillie, E Masi, J Griffiths, S Thomas, R Griffiths, M Wilson, S Eagleton, M Blagojevic, R Middleby, M Bingley, T Dodd, P Tsekenis, T Willis (gk), A Griffiths

IN: T Willis (gk)
OUT: M Prentice (ankle), J Schirripa (Broken foot), A Moreira (groin), M O’Brien (omitted)

Tuesday, 24 December 2002 12:00 AM

South Melbourne Striker Michael Baird played an integral role in the Australian Under 20 National Team (Young Socceroos) who have qualified for the 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship, after defeating Fiji 4-0 in the 2nd leg of the Oceania World Youth Championship qualifying final at Korman Stadium, Ba, Fiji today.

Michael Baird scored four goals at Bob Jane Stadium last Saturday helping the Young Socceroos to an 11 – 0 drubbing over Fiji. Vince Lia came on as a substitute in the first leg and scored while Massimo Murdocca played a full game in Fiji.

South Melbourne’s young trio will be available for selection this weekend at home against Newcastle.

Coach Ange Postecoglou was understandably more than happy with both the result and performance of his team, “It was a very professional performance today,” said Postecoglou.

“The boys gave 100 per-cent for the full ninety minutes which is a real credit to them considering the lop-sided scoreline and very hot conditions. I’m delighted with the performance.”

The Young Socceroos must now await the official draw on 29 January before knowing the identity of their opponents.

The 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship will be held in four cities in the United Arab Emirates – Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al-Ain and Sharjah – from 25 March to 16 April 2003.

www.soccersaustralia.com.au

Tuesday, 24 December 2002 12:00 AM

South Melbourne Soccer Club would like to wish all Members, Sponsors, Media, Supporters and Volunteers a happy Festive Season and a safe and prosperous New Year.

The Club looks forward to seeing you all at it’s next home game on Sunday, 29 December 2002 against Newcastle United this Sunday. Kick off 6.00PM

The Club’s Administration Offices will be closed from midday today and reopen on Friday 27th December 2002 in preparation for Sunday’s top six clash with Newcastle United.

Thursday, 19 December 2002 12:00 AM

South Melbourne’s defeat of the Football Kingz on the weekend, took the Club’s current home winning streak to six matches and is in with a chance to equal a record held by Ferenc Puskas, Ange Postecoglou and Len McKendry.

South Melbourne has only ever won seven consecutive home matches with coach Danny Wright only one win away from equalling that record.

“It’s a good milestone to achieve, but we approach every game to win and whilst we have a good run at home, we would like to have more consistency away from home”, says Wright.

South Melbourne take on Newcastle in its next home encounter, the final match at Bob Jane Stadium for 2002. In the New Year South Melbourne face a strong Sydney United outfit and return home to host Northern Spirit.

South Melbourne will need to improve their away form in the second phase of the season and gain some valuable points from their travels away from Albert Park in order to maintain their healthy league position.

“We are well aware of our lack of results away from home and will be working to rectify that in the second round. If we can start working losses into draws and draws into wins, it will go a long way to us having a successful campaign”, says the South coach.

South Melbourne Soccer Club would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and look forward to seeing you at Bob Jane Stadium on December 29 when the Blue and Whites tackle Newcastle United at Bob Jane Stadium. Kick Off 6.00PM

Just for the record:

6 in a row
1992/1993 : Round 24 – 26 until 1993/1994 in Round 6
1998/1999 : Rounds 9 – 20
2002/2003 : Rounds 5 –13

7 in a row
1983 : Rounds 18 – 28 until 1984 Round 1 (Len McKendry)
1990/91 : Round 26 until 1991/9Round 11 (FerencPuskas)
1997/98 : Round 9 – Round 23 (Ange Postecoglou)
1998/99 : Round 25 – Major Semi Final Leg 1 vs Sydney United until 1999/2000 Round 6 (Ange Postecoglou)

Wednesday, 18 December 2002 12:00 AM

Two players on contrasting ends of the football career, showed why they are worthy of selection in South Melbourne’s talented squad. Last Sunday Ibraimi was vibrant upfront and the magical Trimboli showed again why he is one of the NSL’s most famous players.

Trimboli maybe 33 years of age and heading towards the end of his career, but on Sunday he proved his worth and stamped that the number 9 guernsey is still a danger in the South Melbourne squad.

“Trimmers” as known by his teammates, had an outstanding match against the Kingz scoring a double, taking his tally to 113 career goals. Trimboli was substituted to the wild applause of the fans, which were acknowledging his fantastic match winning performance.

The Team of the Century inductee has only started a handful of matches this season. He has spent much time on the bench as his experience has been used in the later part of matches. Trimboli is pleased with his performance but emphasised the importance of the team continuing their good form.

“I am happy with the way I performed on Sunday but more delighted with the three points. We have been playing very well of late and need to continue our good form in the New Year”.

“We have a very good squad with all players competing for a spot in the first eleven. Training has been very intense which shows a healthy competition within the squad”, says Trimboli

Young prospect Ibraim Ibraimi showed the faithful on Sunday what a great talent he is displaying some good touches, creating and getting on the end of some promising chances. Playing in only his second NSL game, the 18 year old partnered Peter Buljan after coming on for the injured Coveny.

“I thought I played quite well. At the end of the match I felt tired as I have not yet adjusted to the pace of the game”.

“It feels great to play alongside Trimboli. His passes are outstanding and it’s like dream to play with quality players such as Trimmers”, says Ibraimi

Wright’s tactics have paid dividens as he has given all his players a chance at some stage of the season. He has successfully blended in a mix of youth and experience, which has excited the faithful at Bob Jane Stadium this season.

Players such as Baird, Lia, Murdocca and Ibraimi just to name a few, will be carrying the future pride of South Melbourne while experienced campaigners Trimboli, De Amicis and Clarkson who have shared many successes at the Club, will be out to nurture and teach their young talented teammates.

Wednesday, 18 December 2002 12:00 AM

A surprise victory over Australia’s cross Tasman rivals has seen Fiji, a footballing minnow nation top Group B and set up a two-legged affair with the Young Socceroos beginning with a clash this Saturday afternoon at Bob Jane Stadium.

An aggregate victory over Fiji and Australia will qualify for the Under 20 Youth World Cup being held the United Arab Emirates from 25 March – 16 April 2003. Australia who easily accounted for their Group A is currently residing in Melbourne in preparation for the crucial encounter.

A young Socceroo victory will definitely cap off what has been a successful week for Australian Soccer with FIFA announcing that Oceania will have direct qualification to the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

Former Back-to-Back South Melbourne Championship coach and current Young Socceroo coach, Ange Postecoglou with the assistance of Victorian Institute of Sport coach Ernie Merrick, is carrying out his training sessions at a familiar Bob Jane Stadium. His squad has been training quite well and is looking forward to clash against Fiji.

“Training has been good. We didn’t have the proper training facilities in Vanuatu but the boys have been working hard throughout the campaign. The players are keen to get stuck into the next two matches”, says Postecoglou.

South Melbourne has three youngsters in the squad, Murdocca, Lia and Baird who are all fighting for a spot in Saturday’s squad. All three players took part in the qualifiers with Vince Lia scoring in the second match against Papa New Guinea.

“The South Melbourne boys are going well. They all played a part in the group matches and will definitely play a role at some stage of the two qualifying matches against Fiji. I am very happy with them”, says the Young Socceroo coach.

Don’t forget to watch Australia’s brightest stars as the Young Socceroos take on Fiji this Saturday at Bob Jane Stadium. The squad will immediately travel to Fiji for the second leg, which will be played on Monday 23 December. Kick off for Saturday’s first leg at home is at 1.30 PM.

Sunday, 15 December 2002 12:00 AM

In South Melbourne’s 3 – 0 trouncing of the Football Kingz at Bob Jane Stadium today, the Blue and Whites won their sixth home match in a row, scored their 1200th NSL goal and Paul Trimboli continued to show why he is still regarded as one of the National Soccer League’s most influential players.

Trimboli scored twice in the 30th and 62nd minute while Susa, playing his first match at home, opened the scoring in the 22nd minute.

Rookie Goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic, made a double save after saving a penalty and then clutching onto the rebound.

South now sit in outright third position at the half way mark of the season.

FINAL SCORE – (National Soccer League – Round 13)
SOUTH MELBOURNE 3 (Susa 22, Trimboli 29 & 62)
Kingz FC 0

Crowd: 4,010
Venue: Bob Jane Stadium, Melbourne

Sunday, 15 December 2002 12:00 AM

South Melbourne’s victory over the Kingz may have come at a cost with an injury to Coveny and the suspension of Susa, but with a Bye this weekend and a chance for the players to rest, Danny Wright will definitely have his hands full leading up to the crucial encounter with Newcastle.

Coveny was substituted in the 25th minute, coming off the field with a hamstring injury that luckily proved not to be serious. South’s leading goalscorer acquired a knock to his hamstring and began cramping during play. He has bruising and will need physiotherapy treatment but should be fully fit for the Round 15 match at home.

“I couldn’t move and at the time I thought I had serious damage to my hamstring. The hamstring doesn’t feel that good today, but I’m hopeful I will be alright for next Sunday”, says Coveny.

Susa has been given a week’s suspension for the two yellow cards he received in his first match of the season at home. Susa’s season has again been interrupted but will be training hard to maintain his fitness.

“I haven’t seen the tape yet, but Susa was very unlucky to receive a second yellow card. We are all disappointed as Susa has been in limbo during the first half of the season and his comeback has now been halted”, says Wright.

Another player to benefit from the Bye will be Bill Damianos who has recovered from his injury and that extra week will give him a chance to prove his fitness and strengthen his hamstring. Apart from Zeljko Susa, Wright should have a full squad to choose from next week.

Wright will give the players a chance to refresh, nurse their injuries and take time away from the training field. This morning the squad took a walk at the beach to heal some soreness and tomorrow night the players will take time out to enjoy some ten-pin bowling.

“The deliberate change of schedule will allow the players to refresh and spend time together off the track as we head towards the second half of the season”, says Wright.

With South Melbourne taking a small break, Australia’s Under 20’s will occupy Bob Jane Stadium this Saturday afternoon, when they host Fiji in the first leg of the Oceania Under 20 World Cup Qualifier.

Australia easily accounted for their Group A opponents while Fiji upset New Zealand to take out Group B. Australia has a strong squad, which has been training at Bob Jane Stadium throughout the World Cup campaign. The match kicks off at 1.30 PM.

Friday, 13 December 2002 12:00 AM

Australia’s Under 20 squad which includes South Melbourne players Vince Lia, Massimo Murdocca and Michael Baird will play a friendly match at Bob Jane Stadium this Sunday at 1.00PM

The Young Socceroos defeated both their Group A opponents and are in Melbourne training for their two-legged qualification match either against New Zealand or Fiji. The home leg will be played at Bob Jane Stadium. Date to be confirmed.

Vince Lia, Massimo Murdocca and Michael Baird had a hand in the Group A matches with Vince Lia coming off the bench against Papa New Guinea and scored in the 76th minute.

“It is a good experience. I am enjoying the camp and look forward to our next two matches”, said Lia yesterday.

Get along early to Bob Jane Stadium and watch Australia’s youngest stars and three of South Melbourne finest young guns, proudly wear the Green and Gold at Lakeside this Sunday.

Bob Jane Stadium will play host to three matches this Sunday with the main match, the Round 13 encounter between South Melbourne and Kingz FC. At this stage the squad looks to be unchanged from last week but Danny Wright has one more session tomorrow morning if he is to make any changes.

Bob Jane Stadium – Sunday 15 December
Matches are as follows:

FRIENDLY MATCH
Australia U20 vs VIS
Kick Off: 1.00PM

OLD BOYS MATCH
Melbourne Glory vs Mercurial Kingz
Kick Off: 3.30PM

NSL – ROUND 13
South Melbourne vs Kingz FC
Kick Off: 6.00PM